Microwave apparatus and methods provide for non-resonant microwave thermal processing that utilize non-resonant, cross polarized, slotted waveguide arrays in conjunction with a granular susceptor material to homogenously distribute microwave energy inside a microwave cavity, resulting in highly uniform temperature distributions and part heating profiles during processing.

A method for the assembly of a metal part and a ceramic part, including the following steps: supplying a solid ceramic part of the alumina type; supplying a solid metal part, the metal being selected from platinum and tantalum, or an alloy including a majority of one of these metals; depositing at least one layer, called interface layer, on at least one of the solid parts, the interface layer containing magnesium oxide; bringing into contact the solid metal part and the solid ceramic part such that the interface layer is located between the solid parts; and hot densification under pressure of the solid parts brought into contact, to create a close bond between the solid parts and form a spinel from the interface layer. An electrical device, such as a capacitive sensor having a sensitive part produced according to the present method, is also provided.

Systems and methods for fabrication of ceramics from celestial materials using microwave sintering and mechanical compression for space mining applications are disclosed. In one aspect, a chamber for sintering loose mineral material into solid ceramic shapes includes a plurality of zirconia insulting plates configured to clamp the mineral material and forming a cavity in which the mineral loose material is contained, and at least one dipole array configured to generate microwave energy and apply the microwave energy to the mineral material.

The present invention provides a method for making a high strength, small grain size ceramic having a transgranular fracture mode by rapid densification of a green body and subsequent cooling of the densified ceramic. The ceramic may include dislocations, defects, dopants, and/or secondary phases that are formed as a result of the process and resulting in stress fields capable of redirecting or arresting cracks within the material. This ceramic can maintain transparency from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared.

According to an example, a green body may include from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a metal nanoparticle binder and a build material powder, wherein the metal nanoparticle binder is selectively located within an area of the green body to impart a strength greater than about 3 MPa.

A process for depositing a coating on a continuous fibre of carbon or silicon carbide from a precursor of the coating, includes heating a segment of the fibre in the presence of the coating precursor in a microwave field so as to bring the surface of the segment to a temperature allowing the coating to form on the segment from the coating precursor, wherein the segment of fibre is in the presence of a supercritical phase of the precursor of the coating in the reactor and the coating is formed by supercritical phase chemical deposition in the reactor.

The present invention provides a method for making a high strength, small grain size ceramic having a transgranular fracture mode by rapid densification of a green body and subsequent cooling of the densified ceramic. The ceramic may include dislocations, defects, dopants, and/or secondary phases that are formed as a result of the process and resulting in stress fields capable of redirecting or arresting cracks within the material. This ceramic can maintain transparency from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared.

A process for depositing a coating on a continuous carbon or silicon carbide fibre from a coating precursor, includes at least heating a segment of the fibre in the presence of the coating precursor in a microwave field so as to bring the surface of the segment to a temperature enabling the coating to be formed on the segment from the coating precursor.

A ceramic slurry for forming a ceramic article includes a binder, a first plurality of ceramic particles having a first morphology, a second plurality of ceramic particles having a second morphology that is different from the first morphology; and a photoinitiator. A method for using this slurry for fabricating ceramic articles is presented as well.

The present disclosure discloses a process for producing microcrystalline alpha-alumina by microwave calcination, which relates to the production process of calcined alumina. The product of the present disclosure has stable quality. The yield of the process of the present disclosure is higher than that of the traditional kiln production method. The energy consumption during the preparation of alpha-alumina is greatly reduced, and the zero emission of harmful gases is realized.